Abuse of Monarchical Power: David and Achav/0

Abuse of Monarchical Power: David and Achav

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Introduction

People in position of power often tend to abuse that power.  Biblical characters are no exception, and the stories of David's sin with Batsheva (Shemuel II 11 and 12) and Achav's acquisition of Navot's vineyard (Melakhim I 21) are two cases in point.  Despite the vastly contrasting reputations of the two kings, the two stories follow surprisingly similar plot lines. In each, a king, who lacks nothing, nonetheless desires a layperson's beloved property. With the aid of others, he orchestrates a plot to bring about the owner's death, and takes the item for himself. In the end, he is rebuked by the prophet, but repentance serves to mitigate the punishment. Though the stories contain no significant linguistic parallels, a comparison of the two allows for a deeper understanding of both.

Content Parallels

• The kings – Both David and Achav were powerful kings who had more than their share of wealth and property, but nonetheless wanted more.  Hashem tells David, "וָאֶתְּנָה לְךָ אֶת בֵּית אֲדֹנֶיךָ וְאֶת נְשֵׁי אֲדֹנֶיךָ בְּחֵיקֶךָ וָאֶתְּנָה לְךָ אֶת בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל וִיהוּדָה" (Shemuel II 12:8), clearly emphasizing how since David had been given so much, it was unjust that he should look to take the wife of another.  Likewise, Achav apparently had a palace not only in Shomron, but also in Yizrael, and despite owning vineyards that were more valuable than Navot's,¹ he nonetheless wanted his neighbor's land.
• The desired property –  Natan's parable emphasizes that Batsheva was beloved by Uriah, who, in contrast to David, had but one wife.  Similarly, the vineyard of Navot is of special significance to him, being a "נחלת אבות." ‎²
• The plots: murder – The deaths of Uriah and Navot are set up in such a manner as to leave the public unaware of the king's role and believe him innocent.  Navot is killed via a staged trial in which he is accused of blasphemy and treason, while Uriah is killed in battle.  Both plots further involve the "sending of letters" (Izevel to the elders to frame Navot, and David to Yoav to isolate Uriah on the battlefield), an abuse of power by royal institutions (the army and judicial system), and the cooperation of officials whom the victim would have trusted (the townsmen of Navot and Uriah's fellow soldiers and general-in-chief).  In each case, after the plot suceeds word is "sent" back to th eking.
• Partners in crime – In neither story does the king act alone. David involves Yoav, who achieves David's goal but through his own means rather than those suggested by the king.  Navot shares his distress with his wife, Izevel, who takes matters totally  into her own hands, independently coming up with the plan to kill Navot.
• The victims

Analysis

• Degree of similarity – 
• Distinctive phrases – 

Conclusions

¹ See Melakhim I 21:3 where he offers Navot a better vineyard than his.

² He is not willing to part with it, even in exchange for promises of money or alternative fields.